Anyone who wants a soft, everyday nude polish rather than a bold color — suits first-time at-home manicurists because the shade is forgiving of imperfect application, and suits salon clients requesting a classic, understated look such as a bridal or French manicure base.

This shade earns its long-running popularity from being a genuinely wearable neutral: it has enough gray in the undertone to avoid looking pink or peachy on most skin tones, which is part of why it keeps showing up as a go-to bridal and French-manicure base years after its original Brazil-collection release.

Start with clean, shaped nails and apply one coat of OPI Natural Nail Base Coat. Shake the lacquer bottle to remix pigment, then apply two thin coats of color, capping the free edge of the nail each time to help prevent chipping. Finish with an OPI top coat, again sealing the free edge. Allow full drying time, or use a quick-dry top coat/drops if available.

• Pro: neutral pink-gray nude tone is versatile and low-risk for both casual and formal occasions
• Pro: creme finish (no shimmer or glitter) gives clean, even coverage in two coats
• Pro: wide brush shape makes it easier to cover the nail in fewer strokes
• Con: as a solvent-based lacquer it requires proper base coat and top coat to reach the advertised 7-day wear; worn alone it will chip sooner
• Con: very pale nude shades show brush strokes and unevenness more visibly than darker colors if application isn't careful